Singer 648
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Centralia, WA, USA
Posts: 4,890
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I just picked this up last Sunday at our local Goodwill. It's a Singer model 648 Touch & Sew with a box full of cams and most of the feet. It even had the chain stitch attachments and a new double needle. All for $6.99 before sales tax. I know some of you don't like them because of the plastic gears but everything seems to move correctly. It does have a few issues before it will sew again though. I need to round up a few bobbins, a new spool holder and a new nose for it. Other than that it appears to be in decent shape. I'm pretty excited. I've been wanting to play with a cam machine since I learned about them.
Here's a couple quick pictures,
Rodney
Here's a couple quick pictures,
Rodney
#5
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Nice score.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: North Central, NC
Posts: 2,741
![Smile](/images/icons/icon7.gif)
Every time I read a post like this, I wonder why my local GW charges so much for machines. I don't think I have ever seen one below maybe $30.00 but perhaps I just am not there at the right time. Looks like others of you have that same problem. Wouldn't you think GW would have a basic pricing system that is the same across the country? Guess not! I envy you guys those great finds. Too bad, Rodney, that she needs a "nose job" but here's hoping you can find a good "plastic surgeon" to take care of that problem.
Last edited by KLO; 01-01-2014 at 04:30 PM.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NW IL
Posts: 493
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Same here at the 3 local GW's around here. Most start at $49.99 and up just the machice along and if they are in a cabinet the starting price is higher and no accessaries included. What gets me is most are missing the bobbin cases, foot peddles and amoung others things, beside many having broken or missing knobs too.
#9
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Centralia, WA, USA
Posts: 4,890
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The sad thing is there was also an older Newhome straight stitch machine in a decent cabinet for $10 and an empty cabinet for $4 there. I don't have room for more cabinets (and really don't have room for the three in the living room right now) and already have good straight stitchers so I had to leave the Newhome behind.
I think at this Goodwill they've realized the cabinet machines aren't as desired as the portable ones so they price them low to move them out. The last portable machine I saw there was priced at $25 and was gone when I went to check a couple days later. I was waiting for a 1/2 price sale on the tag color to get it. I figure I'll have another $20 or so in getting the 648 looking and running good again but it should be worth it. From the info I've seen on line the 648 will have plastic gears, apparently they switched from metal on the 620 series. Looks like new gear sets are pretty easy to get and are not a terrible amount of money so I'm not going to get too worked up about it. I'm going to wait until all those little details in life like bills are taken care of before I shop for parts. Meanwhile I'll try to find a better place for it and start cleaning and oiling.
IIRC I've seen recommendations to NOT grease or oil the plastic gears in these?
Rodney
I think at this Goodwill they've realized the cabinet machines aren't as desired as the portable ones so they price them low to move them out. The last portable machine I saw there was priced at $25 and was gone when I went to check a couple days later. I was waiting for a 1/2 price sale on the tag color to get it. I figure I'll have another $20 or so in getting the 648 looking and running good again but it should be worth it. From the info I've seen on line the 648 will have plastic gears, apparently they switched from metal on the 620 series. Looks like new gear sets are pretty easy to get and are not a terrible amount of money so I'm not going to get too worked up about it. I'm going to wait until all those little details in life like bills are taken care of before I shop for parts. Meanwhile I'll try to find a better place for it and start cleaning and oiling.
IIRC I've seen recommendations to NOT grease or oil the plastic gears in these?
Rodney
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wondermom
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
22
07-03-2020 10:20 AM
amyamy1978
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
6
12-13-2015 01:47 PM
dee1245
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
15
03-25-2015 10:47 AM
miriam
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
154
03-12-2014 07:43 AM
unitymountain
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
9
02-04-2014 07:10 PM